Abortion Services

We offer two options for abortion: Medication Abortion (the Abortion Pill) and Surgical Abortion.

12 weeks or less pregnant

Medication Abortion, Abortion Pill

If you are 12 weeks or less pregnant, you may be eligible to use the Abortion Pill. The Abortion Pill is a combination of two different medicines, Mifepristone and Misoprostol.

How Medication Abortion Works

Our physician will give you the first pill, Mifepristone, at the clinic

A pregnancy needs a hormone called progesterone to grow normally. Mifepristone blocks your body’s own progesterone.

You will use the second medication, Misoprostol, at home 6-48 hours later.

This medicine causes cramping, bleeding, and flu-like symptoms to empty the uterus and feels like a really heavy and crampy period. It is like an early-pregnancy miscarriage. The timing and way you take this medication will depend on how many weeks you are in the pregnancy.

You are required to follow up within 1-2 weeks

This may be an ultrasound in the office, a phone call and a urine pregnancy test, or blood work.

Reasons some people choose a medication abortion:

95% - 98% effective up to 9 weeks; 91% - 93% effective between 9-10 weeks
No shots, anesthesia, or instruments are used, unless there is a complication
Some people prefer the privacy of having an abortion at home
Some people may feel like the process is a more natural way to end a pregnancy
Some people may want to avoid a surgical abortion if possible

Reasons medication abortion may not be right for someone:

Nausea, vomiting, body aches and diarrhea are side effects
Cramping can be severe and may last longer than with a surgical abortion
Bleeding can be very heavy and may last longer than with a surgical abortion
It has a higher chance of failure than surgical abortion (95%-98% effective up to 9 weeks, 91%-93% effective between 9 and 10 weeks)
Requires a bigger time commitment than first-trimester surgical abortions (6-48 hours)
Two or more visits to the clinic may be necessary
It is possible that you may see the pregnancy
tissue depending on how far you are in the pregnancy
You must be 10 weeks or less pregnant

5 and 23.6 weeks in a pregnancy

Surgical Abortion

You can get a Surgical Abortion between 5 and 23.6 weeks in a pregnancy (if you are past 12 weeks, you are required to get a Surgical Abortion).

Reasons some people choose a surgical abortion

It's usually over in less than 10 minutes
Failure rate is less than 1%
There's less bleeding than with Medication Abortion
There's less time spent cramping than with Medication Abortion
There's less time spent cramping than with Medication Abortion
Clinic staff will be present to care for you
It can be done farther along in the pregnancy than Medication Abortion
You can choose whether you want to see the pregnancy tissue

Surgical Abortions in the First Trimester (5-14 weeks)

The procedure typically takes 5-8 minutes depending on how far along you are. It can be performed while awake, with Valium, or under conscious or IV sedation. It is an outpatient procedure called a Suction D&C.

What to expect

The physician will insert a speculum to hold open the walls of your vagina and then numb your cervix with a local anesthetic given by injection. If you’re awake, this typically feels like a pinch.

Next, the physician will gently stretch open your cervix using instruments called dilators. A dilator is a thin metal rod with a rounded end. The stretching takes about a minute and you may feel strong menstrual-like cramps during this part of the procedure

After your cervix is dilated, a small sterile plastic tube is inserted into your uterus. The pregnancy is then removed with suction. This is done with a handheld suction device or an electric suction machine. During this part of the procedure, you may experience stronger cramping. Some people also describe feeling pressure or a tugging sensation.

If you are between 12 and 14 weeks pregnant and have not had a vaginal delivery, you may be given medication 2-4 hours before the procedure to help prepare your cervix for dilation.

Abortion is a safe and effective way to end a pregnancy. We’ll walk you through every step of the way.

Testimonial

“From the moment I called ARHC the staff was extremely sweet and understanding…”

They reassured me that this facility is all about helping people and providing the best possible care. I was scared and apprehensive because I thought abortion would hurt my body, but the staff answered all of my questions thoroughly, without judgment. I was concerned about paying, but the center followed up with me and ensured everything would be taken care of. It was an adventure to get to Pittsburgh – I took a bus, took some taxis, and stayed at a Motel 6. Ran my pockets dry. I’m a college student so it’s hard as it is…I had 51 cents left in my account. I had no idea how I was going to get back to campus, but the staff helped me and made sure I wasn’t stuck or abandoned. Thank you! I greatly appreciate this place and everyone in it!”

– Haley*, 19 *Names have been changed to protect patient privacy

Compassionate Care

ARHC has provided reproductive health care since 1975. The center was first established as an abortion clinic, and through the years we have added gynecological care, prenatal care, contraception services, and STD testing to our offerings. We are licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the CLIA, and our physicians are board certified and hold unrestricted MD licenses in the state of Pennsylvania. ARHC is accredited by the National Abortion Federation (NAF) and the Abortion Care Network (ACN).

ARHC is committed to delivering fearless healthcare that is imbued with empathy, respect, and nonjudgment. As one of only two abortion clinics in Allegheny County, part of our mission is to destigmatize abortion and provide abortion care to all people seeking it, no matter their situation. You can support this mission by donating to the Western PA Fund for Choice, a local non-profit organization that provides supplemental funding for people who cannot afford their abortions. All proceeds from this fund are used to care for people at Allegheny Reproductive Health Center.

Gynecology Services

Annual Exams
Pap and HPV testing
Transgender care, including hormone prescribing and surgical consultation
Birth control (hormonal and non-hormonal)
IUD consultation and insertion (Mirena, Kyleena, Skyla, Paragard)
Nexplanon consultation and insertion
Screening and treatment for sexually transmitted infections
Gardasil vaccine
Screening and treatment for sexually transmitted infections
Colposcopy
LEEP
Diagnostic and operative hysteroscopy
Gynecology surgery services in area hospitals
Consultation for permanent sterilization
Breast/chest exam and mammogram referral
Menopause management
Evaluation and treatment of pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, abnormal bleeding, etc